"No Shame" "Empty"... Criticism from Opposition Pours in on Moon's 'Fairness' Remarks

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] At the Youth Day commemorative ceremony, President Moon Jae-in mentioned the word 'fairness' 37 times, drawing criticism from opposition parties. The People Power Party and the People’s Party referred to the Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae incident, while the Justice Party also pointed out that the remarks were 'hollow' and abstract.

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at the emergency committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st, "Those in charge of this administration seem to have no sense of shame," adding, "I think that if there were even a little shame, they would never dare to mention fairness while putting forward two people, former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and Minister Choo, who cannot be found anywhere."

He said, "It is unbelievable to break all fairness and then talk about fairness 37 times," adding, "It is regrettable that the president is losing the trust of the people. I hope his aides reflect and provide proper advice and support."

Lee Jong-bae, chairman of the Policy Committee, also criticized, "The president shouted fairness to the youth, and I believe he knows very well that fairness is the biggest recent issue among young people," adding, "How can he talk about fairness without a single word about the recent Minister Choo incident? The public is just dumbfounded."

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, also said at the Supreme Council meeting that day, "You preached fairness to the youth while remaining silent about the various unfairnesses shown by this administration, which is not a measure but mockery not only to the youth but to the entire nation," adding, "You should have at least said a passing word about Minister Choo before mentioning fairness."

He questioned, "You say you deeply feel the high demand for fairness among the youth, so why do you say nothing about the numerous unfairnesses of the government and ruling party?" and "You said fairness is the government’s unwavering goal, but who is promoting the unfairness in our society now?"

Jang Hye-young, Justice Party lawmaker, appeared on MBC Radio’s 'Kim Jong-bae’s Focus' and said, "The speech itself was well structured but did not touch the heart," adding, "In a way, it felt a bit hollow, to be honest." She said, "He was aware that the keyword 'fairness' is important to young people and was very conscious of it, but the more he repeated it, the more abstract it felt," and "In some ways, I thought the government might be somewhat uncomfortable with the youth."